Getting from Donoussa to Telendos

If you are heading to Telendos from Donoussa you are making your way from one of the Small Cyclades to a tiny car-free island sitting just 800 metres off the western coast of Kalymnos in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. It has some of the finest rock climbing in the Dodecanese on the limestone cliffs above it and a waterfront of tavernas facing across the narrow channel to Kalymnos.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Donoussa to Telendos. Telendos is accessible only by local boat from Myrties on the western coast of Kalymnos, with boats running every 30 minutes throughout the day and the trip taking around 5 minutes. Getting there means taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus, which runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours, and then flying to Kalymnos, followed by a taxi to Myrties and the short local boat across to Telendos. Alternatively fly to Kos and take the short ferry from Mastichari to Kalymnos.

Getting there by air

Telendos has no airport. The nearest airports are Kalymnos and Kos. Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Kalymnos, followed by a taxi to Myrties and the local boat to Telendos, gives a total journey time of around 12 to 14 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Kalymnos, then make your way to Myrties for the local boat across to Telendos. Check the Donoussa to Piraeus departure days before planning as the service runs a limited number of times per week. Give yourself at least two nights on Telendos as the island is tranquil enough to make you want to stay considerably longer.